Since 1996, Southern Virginia University has been inspiring and challenging Latter-day Saints by gathering in faith, lifting them intellectually, socially, and spiritually, and launching them into successful lives and careers. Through faith-filled community, rigorous curriculum, and vibrant extracurriculars, your student will be pushed to excel in every aspect of life.

We know that the college search process is full of statistics and information overload. At SVU, we care about more than just numbers, and you’ll notice the difference. From our athletic teams to our tried-and-true educational model, we care deeply about your student’s journey before they even step foot on campus.

This resource is designed to cut through the fluff and offer you a comprehensive guide to supporting your student at SVU.

Campus Involvement

Student Life at SVU is vibrant, welcoming, and full of ways for your student to feel connected and inspired. With more than 90% of students participating in extracurricular activities, life outside the classroom is just as enriching as what happens within it.

Our Student Life team keeps the energy high with regular events from carnivals and laser tag to snack breaks between classes. There’s always something happening on campus to help students unwind and build a sense of community!

Getting involved is easy and meaningful at SVU. Clubs and student leadership roles help students grow socially, academically, and professionally:

• Student Government Association (SGA): Whether serving as President or in a supporting officer role, students learn to lead initiatives, build community, and represent their peers.
• Campus Clubs: From academic fellowship to swing dancing, there’s something for every interest. Our current clubs include:
  
  
  • American Medical Women’s Club
  • Business Club
  • Crafting Club
  • Chess Club
  • 3-D Printing Club
  • Latin Club
  • Poetry Club
  • Swing Dance Club 

Here, all students have the opportunity to express themselves creatively, regardless of whether they major in the arts. Through our rich Arts programs, your student can pursue their creative passions in a faith-supportive environment.

Athletics at SVU

Here, athletics are more than just games; they are a way of life. Over half of our students compete on one of our 29 teams, learning the grit, discipline, and leadership skills that carry over into the classroom, the workplace, and life.

As a proud NCAA Division III school, SVU is committed to the holistic development of every student-athlete. Division III prioritizes the overall quality of the educational experience, making it a natural fit for our mission to gather, lift, and launch students toward success.

Since 2020, our Knights have earned:

If your student is seeking a competitive team gaming environment rooted in mutual respect, the SVU Esports Association is designed to help team members grow academically, socially, professionally, and spiritually—all within a faith-supportive community. Whatever your student’s experience or skill level, there’s a place for them on our growing team.

Whether your student hopes to compete at a high level or stay active while building lasting friendships, SVU offers a faith-centered, performance-driven environment where they can thrive.

Student Support

Thriving on campus doesn’t just mean excelling academically. Our accommodations, counseling, and wellness programs are designed to give your student exactly what they need to succeed emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Students with physical, medical, psychological, or emotional disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations under the ADA, and our team works closely with each student to ensure their needs are met.

The Counseling Center provides free, confidential mental health services, led by licensed clinicians, to help students navigate challenges and transitions. Our Campus Wellness program connects students with local health resources, encourages healthy lifestyle choices, and hosts regular wellness events and fitness classes—many of which are announced through the Knight App Wellness Group.

Code of Conduct and Community Expectations

We believe that a healthy campus culture begins with shared values. That’s why our Code of Conduct is rooted in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and the 13th Article of Faith, which teaches us to be honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and to do good to all.

SVU’s foundation of Faithful. Honest. Kind creates a safe, respectful, and uplifting environment where your student can grow both academically and spiritually.

This honor-centered environment means that your student will be surrounded by peers and mentors who value integrity, accountability, and respect, both in and out of the classroom.

Your Student’s Home Away from Home

On-Campus Housing Options

SVU offers two primary types of university housing: dorm-style and apartment-style. Regardless of the option they choose, all students living on campus enjoy all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. From high-speed WiFi to maintenance and security, everything is included, making University Housing a stress-free, cost-effective option compared to off-campus living.

What’s included in all university housing?

• Free 24/7 Security & Maintenance
• Free High-Speed, Secure WiFi
• Free Xfinity On-Demand Live TV
• Free Laundry Facilities
• On-site housing support and management
• …and more!

Students who live on campus tend to perform better academically, with an average GPA point higher than those who live off campus. They’re also more engaged in campus life, build deeper friendships, and have easier access to on-campus support systems. Whether your student is looking for structure or flexibility, SVU housing provides tailored experiences to fit their lifestyle.

Dorm-Style Housing:

Ideal for busy students, athletes, or performers who want to focus on their academic and extracurricular activities while letting the University handle the rest.

• Includes a full University Meal Plan
• No cooking, cleaning, or utility management
• Close proximity to classes and practices
• Great fit for students with packed schedules

Apartment-Style Housing:

Perfect for those who want more independence while still enjoying the support of on-campus living.

• Private kitchen and shared living spaces

• More privacy and flexibility in your daily routine
• Option to add a partial meal plan for added convenience
• Still includes the full suite of on-campus support service

Dining at SVU

At SVU, our dining options are designed to support busy students with flexible plans, delicious food, and convenient locations across campus.

We have a variety of ways to satisfy your appetite on campus:

Meal Swipes: Access to Knight’s Table, our all-you-care-to-eat dining hall

Meal Exchange: Swap a swipe for a combo meal at The Round Table

Dining Dollars: Tax-free spending at Knight’s Table, The Round Table, and Hilltop Market

Whether your student lives in a residence hall or off campus, SVU offers meal plans that fit every schedule and lifestyle:

Knight All-Access
Unlimited swipes, $100 Dining Dollars, 1 Meal Exchange/day

Knight Standard
19 swipes/week, $150 Dining Dollars, 1 Meal Exchange/day

Standard Commuter
10 swipes/week, $200 Dining Dollars, 1 Meal Exchange/day

Partial Commuter
50 swipes/semester, $150 Dining Dollars

Where to Eat

Knight’s Table: Unlimited all-day dining with a wide variety of options

The Round Table: Sandwiches, melts, and salads—perfect for a quick bite or study session

Hilltop Market: Grab-and-go snacks, smoothies, and famous Knight Cookies

We offer allergy-friendly and special diet accommodations across our campus dining, and our Regional Dietitian is available to help your student make the best food choices tailored to their needs.

A Beautiful Campus Designed for Learning

Southern Virginia University is nestled in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of Virginia’s breathtaking Shenandoah Valley. Our campus isn’t just beautiful, it’s deeply peaceful, welcoming, and rooted in a shared commitment to kindness, connection, and community. It’s no wonder our motto is Love One Another.

Located in Buena Vista (Spanish for “good view”) our town truly lives up to its name. From campus, your student can enjoy sweeping mountain vistas, riverside walks, and the charm of nearby red-brick towns. Just a short drive away, they can explore Shenandoah National Park, hike the iconic Appalachian Trail, discover waterfalls, and wander through some of the most photographed natural landscapes in the country.

There’s nothing quite like being here in person. That’s why we offer up to $400 in travel reimbursement for families who come to visit. Once you set foot on campus, you’ll understand why so many students choose to call this home.

Nine out of ten of our students are professing Latter-day Saints, but we invite anyone who sincerely strives to live our standards and treat others with kindness to be part of our community.

College is a critical time to solidify spiritual foundations, and we honor the invitation to “seek learning, by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). Our faculty strives to create spiritually safe classrooms where discussions of faith are not only welcomed but encouraged.

Whether your student is seeking a Christ-centered education or a home where they can thrive spiritually, academically, and socially, SVU welcomes all who strive to live rightly and treat others kindly.

Opportunities for Church Involvement

Our students have numerous opportunities to strengthen their testimony and remain firmly anchored in their faith. The campus-adjacent Institute of Religion—the largest on the East Coast—offers a wide range of classes that can be taken for University credit or personal enrichment. Students also enjoy rich opportunities to serve in their local YSA wards and stakes, where they can hold callings, participate in activities, and build strong spiritual communities. 

We regularly gather as a campus community for devotionals and forums, where inspiring speakers share messages that lift and encourage. Each one ends with our campus joining together in singing “Love One Another”—a simple reminder of our shared purpose.

Understanding the Cost of Enrollment

We believe a private, faith-supportive education should be within reach for any budget. That’s why our tuition is less than half the national average for private colleges. SVU students typically graduate in just four years (two years sooner than the national average), giving them a valuable head start and greater long-term earning potential.

All housing includes utilities, high-speed internet, maintenance, and access to on-site amenities—no hidden fees. At SVU, you can feel confident knowing your student is receiving a quality education, grounded in faith, at a price that makes sense.

Scholarship and Grant Opportunities

We’re committed to making a private, faith-aligned education financially accessible for every student. That’s why 95% of our students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship each year, with many qualifying for multiple awards. Our friendly and experienced Financial Aid Team will work one-on-one with your student to explore every available opportunity and help you maximize your aid package.

We offer a wide range of scholarships to recognize academic achievement, individual talents, and service:

• Academic Scholarships—Awarded based on GPA and standardized test scores, these scholarships are automatically considered when you apply and submit transcripts.

Use our online estimator to see what your student may qualify for!

• Performance Scholarships—Students can earn scholarships by showcasing talents in art, design, music, theatre, dance, cheer, esports, and more. Performance scholarships are awarded through a separate application process and are due by the first day of classes.
• Returned Missionary Scholarship—Students who have completed full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—or comparable humanitarian service—can receive $2,000 per year (up to $8,000 over four years).
• Seminary Scholarship—Seminary graduates are eligible for $1,000 annually (up to $4,000 over four years).
• S&I Employee Dependent Scholarship—Dependents of Seminaries & Institutes of Religion (S&I) employees may receive $5,000 per year (up to $20,000 total). This scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability.

In addition to SVU-specific scholarships, your student may qualify for external scholarships through local organizations, religious communities, employers, and national scholarship databases. Every dollar awarded through outside aid can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

To begin the financial aid process, all prospective students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA determines eligibility for:

• Federal grants and loans
• Work-study programs
• Additional institutional aid

Our Financial Aid Team would be delighted to help you create a plan that makes college affordable without compromising on quality, values, or opportunities.

3 Faith-Based Scholarships Available to SVU Students

It’s Okay to Take Out a Loan

Student loans are a necessary and manageable part of paying for college, and at SVU, they’re often just one piece of your student’s larger financial aid package.

While no one wants unnecessary debt, student loans can be an investment, not just in a degree, but in a lifetime of increased earnings, professional opportunities, and personal growth. On average, college graduates earn significantly more over their careers than those without a degree.

Our team will work with you and your student to ensure that your student borrows only what they need and understands repayment options after graduation. With our lower tuition and faster graduation timeline, many students finish with less debt than their peers at other universities, and with greater confidence in their future.

Financial Aid Support

Applying for financial aid can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Our friendly and knowledgeable Financial Aid Team is here to support you every step of the way, from your first application to your final award package.

The earlier your student applies and submits their FAFSA, the more options they will have, including our interest-free payment plans with lower monthly payments.

Have questions? Need help with your FAFSA or comparing award options? Our Financial Aid Team would love to help your student find the best path forward.

Contact financial.aid@svu.edu for questions or more information!